Coinciding with the first anniversary of the opening of Sotheby’s flagship gallery at Landmark Chater in Central, Hong Kong, Sotheby’s Asia launched the first season of its art collection podcast "A Treasure in One Word" on August 15, 2025. It will be updated with two episodes per week and broadcast on Sotheby’s WeChat Video Account, Himalaya, Xiaoyuzhou, NetEase Cloud Music, Apple Podcasts and other platforms. Please visit Sotheby’s official website for details. This season’s program consists of 7 episodes in total, with 12 senior department experts from Sotheby’s interpreting cutting-edge collection market trends, delving into the core of art appreciation, talking about collection anecdotes, revealing behind-the-scenes stories of auctions, and providing practical advice for novice collectors.

In recent years, the Asian art market has grown rapidly, and the Asian collector base has grown, with their influence on the international art industry increasing year by year. Since its first anniversary, Sotheby's flagship gallery has welcomed nearly one million visitors, the majority of whom are from mainland China. In the first half of 2025, Sotheby's Asia saw significant growth in private sales in the art and luxury goods sectors. Furthermore, the number of mainland Chinese collectors participating in global art auctions has surged by nearly 30% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating strong market vitality.

Inheriting Sotheby's mission of continuously cultivating collectors in the region, connecting art lovers and narrowing the distance between art and the public, the "Treasures in One Language" podcast program creates an aesthetic dialogue that transcends time and space, spanning multiple collecting categories such as Chinese art, modern and contemporary art, jewelry and watches, foreign wines and spirits, and breaking the boundaries of collecting through cross-category dialogue.

The Age of Insight: Asian collectors’ deep involvement drives industry change

The first episode features Jen Hua, Vice Chairman of Sotheby's Asia and Chairman of Sotheby's China, sharing her perspective on the new trends in the Chinese and international art markets. At Sotheby's 2024 Modern and Contemporary auction in New York, Jen Hua, representing a Chinese collector, won the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan's "Comedian" for a staggering $6.24 million. In the podcast, Jen Hua vividly interprets the cultural narrative behind this globally influential auction. The art market is experiencing a surge in activity, with Asian collectors deeply engaged. Jen Hua reflects on a more revolutionary moment from 2020: Sotheby's unprecedented evening auction, held via online livestream, where a Chinese internet entrepreneur won Francis Bacon's triptych "Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus" for $84.6 million. "This is forcing auction houses to restructure their logic of value—Chinese collectors are challenging the century-old traditional power structure of the auction industry."

In an in-depth conversation, Nicolas Chow and Wendy Lin, Chairmen of Sotheby's Asia, outlined the current landscape of the collecting market. As Asian art trading rises in global prominence, cross-disciplinary collecting is a growing trend, opening up a vast new market opportunity. Sotheby's flagship gallery caters to the evolving needs of collectors. Chow explained that its curatorial approach blends music, literature, and spatial design to create an immersive viewing experience, offering visitors an extraordinary aesthetic feast. Lin added that Sotheby's has transcended the traditional auction house model, with the Sotheby's Salon on the first floor offering a new level of art and luxury retail experience, attracting both existing and emerging collectors. Both shared their industry experiences, including building personalized collections for collectors, and agreed that personal passion is the catalyst for exceptional collecting.

Understanding the Present: The Boundaries and Humanistic Resonances of Modern and Contemporary Art

"When Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room becomes a popular online photo spot, what are we really looking at?" Joseph Yang, Senior Specialist in the Modern Art Department, and Florence Ho, Head of Online and Day Sales in the Contemporary Art Department, engaged in an in-depth discussion in a podcast on Modern and Contemporary Art. Using a rigorous academic framework, the two experts explored the development and trends of modern and contemporary art, opening the door to the public's understanding of Modern and Contemporary art.

While discussing trends in the contemporary art market, Ho Sze-wai and Yang Tsung-Hsun noted a notable trend: female artists are gaining unprecedented attention and recognition within the art world. This phenomenon is reflected not only in auction market figures but also in the art world's embrace of diverse voices and its revaluation of their value.
In the art world, trust is far more valuable than the transaction itself. Discussing how to build and maintain long-term relationships with collectors, Yang Zongxun shared his insights: Don't rely on chance encounters, but rather persistent effort. Do the right thing at the right time—keep a keen eye on collectors' interests and aesthetics, and provide timely and valuable art information. Go beyond "sales" and offer tailored advice—understand collectors' collecting logic, rather than simply catering to market trends. Build trust with expertise, rather than personal connections—long-term, stable professional output is more important than fleeting enthusiasm.
Both experts remarked that beyond the numbers and the sound of the hammer at an auction house, artworks are also narrators of time. The true value of each piece goes far beyond the hammer price; it's the stories, emotions, and memories woven into the work that resonate with the heart. Shedding their professional identities, they shared, from the perspective of art enthusiasts, the significant works that have shaped their own artistic perspectives.

Ancient Charm Reborn: Generational Changes in Chinese Art Collecting

Carrie Li, Vice Chairman of Sotheby's Chinese Works of Art, Asia, interpreted the changing times from the perspective of a "conservator," revealing that the entry of collectors born in the 1990s and even the 2000s into the market is gradually changing the landscape of Chinese art collecting; Carmen Ip, Head of the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department, shared the emotional roots behind Zhang Daqian's gift of paintings; and Steven Zuo, Head of the Classical Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department, cited the Yuan Dynasty calligraphy work "Cursive Script of Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan" by Rao Jie, which sold for HK$250 million at Sotheby's Spring Chinese Art Auction this year, as an example to discuss the new connection between contemporary people and classical culture, and how to understand, appreciate, and even participate in this return of "words and paintings" in the current era.
Li Jia, an expert who has been deeply involved in the art industry for nearly three decades and has handled countless museum-level collections, is still full of enthusiasm when talking about Chinese art: "Chinese art is profound and extensive, and there are so many good things." Every year, when she looks at more than a thousand lots at auction, there are always some treasures that make her fall in love at first sight - without exception, they all have the dual characteristics of "rarity" and "exquisite craftsmanship."
But what touched her even more was the special feeling she felt when submitting her collection for auction: "It was like marrying off a daughter; I felt both reluctant and eager to let go. The greatest comfort was seeing them find a good home, cherished and passed down through the generations."

Li Jia pointed out that the most significant change in the Chinese art market over the past three decades has been the diversification of collector composition and motivations. While in the early years, art served collectors with both financial resources and discerning tastes, today's market faces a coexistence of collectors and investors. The future of Chinese art lies in the hands of young people. Li Jia observed that this new generation of collectors is rapidly accumulating knowledge through online education, exhibitions, and other channels, directly venturing into the realm of ancient Chinese art. Song Dynasty teaware, in particular, has become a favorite among young collectors. Tea bowls like the Jian Kiln rabbit-hair teacup, with their simple and subtle aesthetic, resonate with contemporary minimalist trends, attracting the attention of collectors born in the 1990s and even the 2000s.

Zuo Xinyang offers an in-depth analysis of how Rao Jie's "Cursive Script of Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan" from the Yuan Dynasty achieved legendary status at Sotheby's Chinese calligraphy auction. This century-old, hidden masterpiece sold for a staggering HK$250 million, setting a new Sotheby's record for Chinese calligraphy and a landmark transaction in the Yuan Dynasty calligraphy market. A rare gem, this scroll boasts a well-established history, including an inscription by Emperor Qianlong, and remained hidden for over a century. Its sheer scale and imposing presence make it the largest surviving work by Rao Jie and undoubtedly his most iconic masterpiece. The sale of this monumental work, steeped in six centuries of history, not only signals the resurgence of the Chinese calligraphy and painting market but also demonstrates the profound appreciation and revaluation of top-tier cultural treasures among Asian collectors.

In the podcast, Ye Zhuomin shared the hidden "code of friendship" in the paintings gifted by Zhang Daqian. He painted spontaneously, not for money. The size, subject matter, and level of care each reflected the closeness of the relationship. By analyzing the interweaving of these paintings and emotions, the author reveals Zhang Daqian's deeply human side: his paintings were an important vehicle for expressing his rich emotions and an extension of his charisma.

Cross-border dialogue: The vessel adds charm to the wine, and the wine vessel complements each other.

An engaging conversation unfolded between Paul Wong, Head of Wines & Spirits, China, and Xibo Wang, Head of Chinese Works of Art, Asia. The two experts delved into the shared beauty of fine wine and porcelain, tempered by time, the logic of collecting, and cultural heritage, and revealed the emerging trend of a fusion of younger collectors and practical aesthetics.
Wang Haodong explained that in the world of fine wine, time isn't the sole criterion. Vintage isn't simply a matter of "older is better," but rather a perfect balance of terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques. Great vintages, like the 1982 Bordeaux, are treasured because of the right timing and location, while mediocre vintages, no matter how long they age, rarely achieve legendary status. Wang Xibo used the example of Ming Dynasty imperial kilns to explain the logic of antique value. The value of Chinese art, likewise, isn't simply determined by the accumulation of time. For example, the market darlings of Ming Dynasty imperial kiln porcelains stem from their scarcity—extremely few pieces exist today, such as Yongle blue and white porcelain and Chenghua doucai porcelain—and their representation of the pinnacle of craftsmanship at the time. The two experts' sharing illuminated a common logic between collecting fine wine and Chinese art: vintage is merely context; true value lies in the "height of art at a historical juncture."

This rigorous selection for Moutai from its "golden period" is also evident in Moutai collecting. Wang Haodong cited a 1974 Sunflower Moutai case that sold for £1 million at an original price, exceeding its estimated value by five times. "The Sunflower Moutai case is short-lived, and the full-bodied state of the original case is as rare as a Ming Chenghua Chicken Cup—both are unique pieces created in a specific time and space."

The two experts also observed the evolution of collecting from "secret hoarding" to "shared appreciation," witnessing the transformation of collecting from private curios to social currency. Wang Xibo noted that compared to veteran collectors who "hoard" works, younger collectors tend to integrate antique art into their lives and personal preferences, displaying them openly. Wang Haodong, in his alcohol collection, confirmed that Moutai and whiskey are often displayed in social spaces, becoming the focal point of these spaces.

Brilliant Warmth: Emotional Narratives of Jewelry Watches

Jane Ki, international jewelry expert and auctioneer from Hong Kong, and Joey Luk, Head of Acquisition and Sales for Global Watches, unveiled the heartwarming world of luxury auctions. Focusing on the emotional connection between collections and individuals, the two shared tips for beginners and shared personal stories for the first time. When love becomes a treasure, the deeper value of collecting is redefined.

Qi Yizhen discussed the emergence of cultured diamonds and shared her insights and observations. Due to the fortuitous nature of their geological formation, natural diamonds bear the unique imprint of millions of years of formation. This inherent scarcity and unique natural beauty are the core value that cultured diamonds can never match. She pointed out that while cultured diamond technology has had a significant impact on the consumer market for diamonds under 3 carats, natural diamonds remain firmly at the top of the collectible market for diamonds over 10 carats. This perfectly demonstrates the iron rule of the top collectible market: true value is always based on scarcity, natural gifts, and historical heritage.

In the world of watch collecting, Luk advises beginners to buy what they like, focusing on independent watchmakers. Unlike a few years ago when people favored larger, more high-profile watches, today's aesthetic trend is more subdued, and smaller watches are gaining renewed attention.

In the podcast, Qi Yizhen also revealed for the first time the hidden ingenuity in her engagement ring - her fiancé incorporated watch polishing techniques into the design of antique diamond ring settings, paying tribute to her favorite jewelry design style, "just like the dialogue between the movement gears and gems", creating the fruit of love between jewelry and watches.

From appreciation to collection: Practical advice from experts to beginners

The journey of collecting is a long one that requires careful planning and driven by passion. In addition to sharing their expertise, 12 Sotheby's experts also offer tips for beginners on how to avoid pitfalls and grow. In the face of a continuously growing but increasingly youthful collecting market, how can one build a healthy and sustainable collecting path? Sotheby's experts offer practical advice for those new to the collecting world.

(1) Passion comes first, system is the basis
The cornerstone of a collecting journey should be a genuine love for art itself, rather than a focus on investment returns or the idea of "buying what you love." In the current economic cycle, experts recommend that new collectors focus on categories they already understand and carefully build a foundation, rather than blindly chasing new market trends. Consulting with professional institutions can also effectively mitigate risks.

(2) Focus on the system and build a knowledge foundation
Experts consider systematic collecting and knowledge accumulation to be the core path to advancement. They suggest that new collectors should avoid "spreading too much" and instead focus on a single area, cultivating it in depth and gradually building a personal system of scholarly value through "eliminating the weak and retaining the strong."

Furthermore, personal experience is crucial. Experts recommend that novice collectors visit galleries and museums, attend auction previews, and participate in wine tastings. Continuous study of monographs, exhibitions, and communication with auction experts and fellow collectors are fundamental to improving collecting skills.

The art market is undergoing unprecedented change, with Asian power, young faces, and cross-border integration becoming key drivers. "A Treasure in One Word" invites you to listen to the insights of Sotheby's top experts and find your own timeless treasures amidst the vast world of art. When podcasts become collectors' portable think tanks, they bring professionalism and warmth to the world of collecting, truly integrating it into everyday life.

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